Cats are often viewed as feminine animals, but the truth is that there are plenty of cats perfect for becoming mans next best friend. Different breeds and bloodlines make an impact on how your new cat looks, behaves, and is cared for. Use this article to find some of the breeds that you find most entertaining.
If your cat suddenly goes off its feed for no apparent reason, try tempting treats such as jack mackerel, tuna, or cream of chicken soup in small amounts. These are not complete foods and shouldn’t be fed long term, but they are extremely tasty to cats. A finicky cat may start eating again and keep on when given one of these treats.
Let kittens and cat-friendly pet dogs get to know each other slowly. Put up a baby gate to keep dogs in one room while your new kitten gets used to its surroundings. Supervise carefully when the kitten ventures to the gate to meet the dogs. When the kitten feels safe, it will climb the gate. If it feels threatened, it will pop right back out to safety.
If your cat is picky about drinking water, invest in a cat fountain. These battery operated or plug in fountains keep water circulating and aerated. Many cats prefer this. A cat fountain will help keep your cat out of the kitchen sink and the toilet. It will also help prevent your cat from pawing water onto the floor in search of fresh water.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
For a healthier, happier cat choose plain litter over scented litter. Cats like nice, clean, clumping cat litter. Scoop your cats litter box daily and change it completely every three days or so. When you change the box, wash it out with water and dish soap. Don’t waste your money on liners as cats tend to destroy them.
Whenever you take your cat anywhere, use a cat carrier. No matter how gentle your cat is, it could become frightened. If this happens, it could bolt off and be quickly lost, injured or killed. At the vet’s office, your cat will be safe from unpredictable animals if you use a pet carrier.
Get your cat sprayed and neutered to prevent diseases and infections that form in the reproductive system. This can also help reduce the chance for overpopulation in the country, as just one male who is not neutered can produce up to half a million offspring over the course of his life.
Who says only dogs can do tricks? Cats are very intelligent and have the ability to learn as well, especially as young kittens. Some people train their cats to play fetch just like dogs do. There are even people who have successfully trained their cat to use a regular toilet, instead of a litter box.
Ensure that your new cat is spayed or neutered. This is important even if your cat will not be outdoors or around cats of the opposite gender. Studies show that spayed cats are less vulnerable to uterine, mammary, and ovarian cancer. Neutering your male cat decreases his risk of developing prostate cancer. Another benefit of neutering is that your cat will not feel compelled to mark his territory by spraying.
If your cat is not getting trained to use the litter box as fast as you would like, there are sprays available that can make things a bit easier. These sprays have a scent that will attract your cat to the box, which means they will be more likely to go there when they need to use the bathroom.
Look out for holes around the home you would rather your cat didn’t get into. Cats can wriggle into surprisingly small spaces. This is very true of kittens. This is essential when you purchase a new cat. Cover all large holes to prevent a hazard for your cat.
Sometimes, you must take your cat to the vet, and when you do, it can be costly. You can save a great deal of money by filling your cat’s prescriptions online. Some places will even ship the medicine directly to your home. Simple medications that your cat needs to take regularly (e.g., pills for heart worm and flea dip) are especially well-suited to online purchasing.
If you have a cat that goes outdoors, consider having him micro chipped. A micro chip will help someone to locate you if they ever find your pet. This is especially important if your pet lands in a shelter, as shelters give pets a limited time if they cannot locate the owner easily.
Although cats do not usually need to be bathed, if your cat does need a bath, set a small towel on the side of your sink or tub to give your cat something to make him feel secure. Not being able to get a foothold on slippery surfaces can panic your cat and make the bath more difficult.
These cats are only a small part of the feline family and your options are nearly limitless. A budget and a location is all that is inhibiting you from bringing home the biggest and meanest tiger in the jungle. Animal adoption shelters are a great place to find these breeds and many more.
